Stakeholders have expressed concerns following rise in cases of rape in Ebonyi State.
The menace became scary recently as some men who have been confirmed positive of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, went on rampage sexually assaulting females.
Worried by the development, the traditional ruler of Nkaleke Echara Unuhu autonomous community in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Sunday Oketa, suggested more stringent punishments for rapists in Nigeria to deter others.
The monarch made the suggestion during a three day stakeholders engagement workshop organised by NACA in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital on the Sustainability Roadmap for the State Government to take full responsibility of management of diseases highly prevalent in the state like HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
The stakeholders noted that the management of the diseases would ensure better health for all following withdrawal of sponsorship by foreign donors.
Oketa regretted that some people living with HIV and other contagious viruses, out of wickedness, now rape both aged and underaged innocent females in the state.
He opined that stringent punishments like death sentence and castration remain the best measures to end incessant rape cases been recorded in the country.
According to him, “Our beloved nation is facing a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our society. The scourge of rape has reached unprecedented levels, and with it comes the increased risk of spreading HIV, a deadly virus that knows no boundaries.
“As a traditional ruler entrusted with the well-being of my people, it is my duty to speak out against these heinous acts and to call for action. We can no longer stand idly while our sisters, mothers, and daughters fall victim to such atrocities. The time has come for us to take a stand and demand justice for the victims of these despicable crimes.
“I call upon our lawmakers to enact stringent punishments against rapists, to ensure that those who commit such acts are swiftly brought to justice, maybe death sentence, castration etc. We must send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our society.”
The traditional ruler added, “We must redouble our efforts to educate our youth about the importance of consent and respect for all individuals. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, we can help prevent future incidents of rape and stem the spread of HIV.
“Let us unite in our resolve to eradicate this menace from our society. Let us stand together in solidarity with the victims of rape and with all those who have been affected by HIV. Together, we can create a safer and more just society for all.”
